The run to the Super Bowl remains very much alive for the Sailors.
On Friday, November 15th, No. 2 seed Scituate (10-0) hosted No. 1o seed Wayland (8-2) on its home turf in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division IV state tournament. The Sailors came out on top with a 28-0 win, continuing their undefeated season.
Throughout the game, Scituate dominated both sides of the field, led by seniors from beginning to end. Offensively, the Sailors recorded 267 yards compared to the Warriors’ 77. In the first quarter, senior running back Willy Robinson gave Scituate its first touchdown with a seven-yard run. That set the tone for Robinson’s night, which would end with 78 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Going up for a catch far down the field during the last play before halftime, Robinson took a big hit that left him slowly getting up. However, he said Tuesday he is “recovering from it and feels good this week.”
Splitting duties with Robinson was sophomore running back Grayson Foley, who had six carries for 47 yards throughout the night. Senior tight end Roman Glowac came up with two crucial plays in the fourth quarter, logging a 14-yard reception to move the chains and an additional 11-yarder later on.
Junior quarterback Jonny Donovan connected with senior wide receiver Lawson Foley five times for a total of 145 yards and two touchdowns – both scores coming in the second quarter. “Lawson and I have been working together since last winter. We’ve been to camps together and have developed excellent chemistry,” Donovan said.
On the defensive side of the ball, Scituate gave Wayland a tough night in both the run and pass game, contributing to the Warriors’ offensive struggles. Senior linebacker Ronan Manning – who also plays safety – led Scituate in tackles, recording seven. Senior defensive end Charlie Murphy and senior linebacker Wyllys Ames were up there as well with six tackles apiece.
Senior safety/outside linebacker Bronson Bossey was nominated as a Patriot Ledger defensive player of the week. Bossey registered five big-time tackles and one interception with Murphy having three sacks.
Lawson also notched two interceptions on the outing, including his second in the fourth quarter, which was returned for a Sailors touchdown. His performance earned him nominations as high school player of the week by the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Patriot Ledger. In response to the awards, Foley said it is amazing to receive such recognition, but also said, “Accolades are great to see, but it matters how I play the next game.”
Ahead for Scituate is the No. 3 seed – also undefeated – Grafton (10-0). The two teams will meet in the state semifinals on Saturday, November 23rd, at Walpole High School with kickoff set for 1 p.m. in what will be the Sailors’ third Final Four appearance in the last four years. The Gators are the very team the Sailors took down last year in the same round.
The question seems to be whether or not Scituate can do it again, with both teams displaying better records this year. “We’re confident in our ability to have a great game against Grafton,” Ames said.
Due to a PCL tear last year in Week 6 against Plymouth South, Ames could not participate in Scituate’s 2023 postseason run. Foley is confident the Sailors have a strong chance to knock off the Gators with Ames healthy and on the field. “His pass coverage, ability to recognize the run, and tackling will make a key difference,” Foley said.
Foley pointed out that his motivation for Grafton this week, like the rest of the team, is “last year’s 62-33 loss against Duxbury in the state championship,” which is yet again a potential opponent in the title contest should Scituate defeat Grafton on Saturday.
Many of these statistics are credited to the Scituate Cap Squad, a reestablished student-led club directed by SHS junior Daniel Beaudin. In the press box during games, Beaudin and SHS freshman Nolan Maguire jot down statistics as they happen in real time, in addition to conducting postgame interviews with Scituate football players. “I’m happy to start this club back up and looking forward to seeing what the future holds,” Beaudin said.
Support the Sailors as they hope to advance to Gillette Stadium for the state championship!